Larry Alston had a packed schedule: family, full-time job as Plans Examiner for the City of New Rochelle, Pop Warner Football coach, traveling minister, very active in the local church, and a volunteer member of several youth organizations. But the U.S. Army veteran still felt he had something to prove to his children.

“I joined the Army right out of high school and never earned a college degree. Over the years it became more and more important to me to prove to my children that getting a college degree could be done – I wanted to lead by example and not just tell them about the importance of education. When I found the Concordia Accelerated Degree Program while looking online, I knew it was the best fit for me. Evening classes once or twice a week were exactly what I needed with my very busy schedule. Concordia feels like a family. I’ve made many friends – some similar to me and many not. The biggest surprise was making the Dean’s List! My time here has gone quickly – I earned an associate’s degree in Liberal Studies and now I am working toward my bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. My advice for anyone thinking about the Accelerated Degree Program would be hesitate no longer. Join the Concordia family. If I can do it and achieve, I know that you can.”

Larry is putting his new skills to work at the office, and best of all, his children are very impressed with what he has achieved.

TyRon Pope waited a long time for graduation. In 1988 when he had nearly completed his degree at NYU, finances dictated a change of direction. He began a 20-year career with the NYPD, retiring as Sergeant-Supervisor Detective Squad. A job as Criminal Defense Investigator for the Legal Aid Society followed, but his goal of earning a degree had never changed.

“For me the key to choosing a school was flexibility – and the Concordia Accelerated Degree Program really met that criteria. I was able to go to classes one or two nights a week and seminars every other weekend, all year round. It was the perfect fit. I loved my time in the program, and I consider Concordia a second home. I earned a BS in Business and then an MS in Business Leadership. Earning my degrees fulfilled the goal I had as a younger man – to be the first college graduate in my family. My degrees have opened doors, too – networking, speaking engagements, and best of all further education. I am now a PhD candidate working toward a doctorate in Executive Leadership. Do not fear change, change is good – embrace all challenges, seize all opportunities.”

TyRon’s next goal? Drawing on his education, professional experience, and deep commitment to serving his community as a Professor of Criminal Justice, Social Justice, Leadership and Ethics with a focus on political, economic, socio-economic and technological issues.

Lisa Sorin’s years owning an event planning business gave her an impressive network in business, social and political spheres. But when she decided to close her business and start interviewing, job offers didn’t materialize. Instead she kept getting the same question: why did you never finish your degree?

“I had taken several college courses over the years, but until I found Concordia’s Accelerated Degree Program, I couldn’t see a clear path to a degree. Concordia was the only school that gave me a solid graduation plan – a date by which I would have my degree. I had been so frustrated in my job search, and my girls were getting old enough to call me out for talking about the importance of education when I hadn’t finished my own degree! I loved my classes from the start: the students were adults who were super engaged, and I made many friends with whom I’m still in touch. Honestly with small children at home, my one school night a week was a real treat – a chance for adult conversations with interesting, motivated people. The small classes and one-on-one attention was great – every professor knew my name! Continuing on to a master’s degree was a no-brainer.”

With her Bachelor of Business Administration and Master of Business Leadership, Lisa is now Executive Director of Westchester Square Business Improvement District, a complex role involving branding, event planning and managing subcontractors. And she has turned down several job offers.

CONCORDIA COLLEGE NEW YORK

Concordia College New York is a Christian higher education community of learning where mutual respect flourishes, responsibility is developed and reverence for God is cultivated so that students can pursue lives of passion, purpose and service.